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Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve Introduction Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve, managed by English Nature, covers 241 hectares of alluvial marshland, together with its characteristic bird population on the bank of the River Great Stour, north-east of Canterbury. The reserve has several different types of marshland with large reed-beds, shallow lagoons, grazing meadows and wet woodlands. Marshland has existed along the Stour valley for centuries, attracting a rich variety of wildlife. History
The earliest recorded use of the land in the
area was by the Augustinian monks who dug ditches to bring the river floodwater
onto the meadows which were grazed mainly by horses. The marsh was excellent grazing for mares in foal and
was known as Stud-marsh, now changed to Stodmarsh. In the early 18th century a flood defence barrier, the
Lampen Wall, was constructed by Flemish engineers to prevent excessive flooding
in the Grove Ferry area. The increasingly efficient drainage of the valley was
counteracted by the opening of Chislet Colliery at the beginning of this
century. The land subsided over the extensive underground workings and became
waterlogged. In the 1930s the first effects of subsidence were noted as small
lagoons formed in the meadows. Reed‑beds then developed, encroaching from
the river banks to cover the wetter areas which were ideal for their growth. The marsh became a famous wildfowling area and was
managed for shooting by a full-time gamekeeper. Some of the old wooden
shooting hides can still be seen in the lake today. The area was first noted for its wildlife when it was
declared an SSSI in 1951; later in 1968 the area was declared an NNR. The
significance of the site today is reflected in its designation as a Special
Protection Area under the EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds and as
a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.
Wildlife importance
The extensive reed-beds, shallow lagoons and
flooded river meadows here today are probably similar to those occurring before
drainage took place. These wetland habitats attract a rich variety of wildlife -
in particular the reserve is noted for its large population of breeding
and wintering birds some of which are rare. Reed-beds are rare throughout the country and
these at Stodmarsh are very important examples being the largest in the south
east of England. Birds, like the bearded tit, which breeds here in significant
numbers, and the bittern, which regularly winters here, are completely dependent on reed-beds for their
survival. Other birds using the reed-beds for nesting include reed
warbler, sedge warbler, reed bunting and water rail. Reed-beds are also
used by swallows and sand martins on migration, with sometimes several thousand
birds roosting overnight before continuing their journeys. During winter up to a
dozen or so hen harriers can gather together to form a communal roost. Birds breeding in the wet grazing meadows include
mallard, shoveler, lapwing, redshank, snipe and sometimes the uncommon migrant,
the garganey. These grazing meadows can attract other migrant waders, in
particular, greenshank, ruff, black-tailed godwit and green sandpiper.
During winter, when this area is flooded, waterfowl numbers increase with wigeon,
teal, pintail and white-fronted geese regularly recorded. Because of its closeness to the coast and the
continent, many other migrant species are recorded at Stodmarsh. Some which
occur annually include marsh harrier, hobby, whimbrel, black tern and spotted
redshank. The abundant fish life of the lagoons has attracted
fish eating birds such as common tern, grebe and kingfisher. The wetland is a very productive one for insects. Several species
of damselfly occur including the uncommon hairy dragonfly. A number of moths
which rely on reed-beds for their life cycle are also present including the rare
twin-spot wainscot. Other animals which may be seen are fox, stoat, and
the elusive water shrew. A good population of water voles exists, despite the
presence of mink and occasionally otters pass through the reserve.
Management Managing the wetland habitats and preventing
disturbance is vital for the continued existence of the wildlife found here.
Water levels have to be carefully controlled to provide suitable conditions for
wildlife whilst ensuring that management work can be carried throughout the
seasons. Reed-beds have to be cut on a regular time scale
otherwise they will develop into scrub and eventually woodland. Wet meadows are grazed by cattle in summer to provide
suitable conditions for breeding and wintering birds. 'The dykes have to be maintained to provide a flow of
water to all the habitats and by cleaning out a short section every year the
wildlife living in them can be maintained.
Extension to Reserve In 1995, 79 hectares of fields adjoining the NNR to the east of Grove Ferry were purchased. It is planned to manage this area, which was formerly cut for turf, as a mosaic of reed-beds, lakes and wet grazing marsh with perhaps hay meadows on the drier areas. Work has entailed the raising of water levels by creating bunds, installing dams and sluices, digging lagoons, reshaping existing dykes and erecting cattle fences and gates. As the area develops over the next few years, it will become one of the largest reed-beds in the country.
The Reserve
Not all of the reserve is open to visitors. The wetness of the site makes access difficult and wildlife needs undisturbed areas. Most of the reserve and its wildlife can be seen, however, from the public footpaths and nature trails. Care should be taken, especially with small children, as deep ditches criss-cross the various routes through the reserve. Nature trail short circuit
- 600 metres
This is a pleasant woodland walk. The surface is of level, compacted
stone and has a raised path edge/tapping rail and bench seats located in resting
areas. It passes the fully accessible Reed‑bed Hide, ideal for
birdwatching or just for appreciating the tranquillity of the area. This trail
starts at the Stodmarsh car park and, after some 20 metres, passes a small pond
where insects and plants, found on the rest of the reserve, can be seen at close
quarters. At the second bridge the trail meets a public footpath. Turn left
here, then right over another bridge into the tall woodland for the full circuit
of the trail. For the short route continue straight on along the top of a raised
bank then turn left at the next path junction. This raised bank is 140 metres
long and does not have a safety kerb. At the entrance path to the Reed‑bed
Hide turn left again and continue on for a further 150 metres back to the car
park. The raised bank is passable in most seasons by wheelchair users except
during very wet periods. It is recommended that wheelchair users be accompanied.
Nature trail full circuit
- 1100 metres
On
this route the vegetation changes from tall alder woodland, through willow scrub
to reed‑beds. Notice the changes in wildlife too as conditions alter. From
the boardwalk reed-bed birds can be experienced at close quarters. After
crossing the third bridge into the tall woodland, follow the trail to the
boardwalk and on to the raised Lampen Wall bank. Turn left and after 200 metres
you will rejoin the short trail at a path junction. Continue straight on for the
car park.
Reed-bed Hide
Fully accessible from the nature trail and footpath.
Lake Tower Hide The public footpath through the centre of the reserve to Grove Ferry is
on the top of the Lampen Wall (a raised bank of 2 metres) with deep dykes on
either side. The surface is 2 metres wide and made of compacted stone with some
vehicle ruts for 1500 metres changing to a grassy, uneven river bank at the
Great Stour. Accessible by wheelchair in dry summer conditions but very slippery
when wet or moist. We recommend that wheelchair users are accompanied. If you
feel you can cope, then fine views over the lake and reed-beds give an
impression of the wild nature of the area. Unfortunately the tower hide on this
route is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Marsh Hide footpath This public footpath also leads to Grove Ferry and the Marsh Hide is
located 1500 metres along this route. The path follows an uneven, grass bank
with deep dykes on both sides and includes three footbridges. This route is not
accessible for wheelchair users. The path continues past the hide leaving the
reserve to pass through meadows and on through more reed-marsh.
Turf Fields
Hide - 640 metres
This walk from Grove Ferry takes you into the heart of the recently
acquired turf fields. This wetland was restored in 1998 as part of the
Biodiversity Action Plan to increase wetland areas for threatened species like
the bittern. It already attracts many other birds, such as bearded tit and marsh
harrier, as well as many wildfowl species. The path surface is of level,
compacted stone for 300 metres to the top of a raised mound where there are fine
views over the area. The surface changes here to a level grass bank which, in
wet weather, may not be suitable for wheelchairs. Further on, after 340 metres,
a fully accessible hide has been provided. Past this hide the path is unsuitable
for wheelchairs as it has steep banks and an uneven surface. Turn right at the
drove track and immediately left to Stodmarsh or continue on to the river then
right again back to Grove Ferry.
Circular walk from Stodmarsh or Grove Ferry
- 5 kilometres From the map you can pick out a circular route giving good views over
all the reserve and encompassing all the bird hides. General information Stodmarsh NNR is situated between Stodmarsh village and Grove Ferry,
approximately 9 kilometres east of Canterbury: Grid Ref TR 221609. The site is open all year: entrance and car parking is free. Access The main Stodmarsh entrance and car park can be reached by taking the
track beside the small village green, next to the Red Lion Inn, and following
the reserve signs. The track is 500 metres long and suitable for vehicles but
uneven in places with loose material. The Grove Ferry entrance is from the
roadside. Parking The Stodmarsh car park is mainly of firm gravel with some loose and
uneven material and grass sward. There are hard standing spaces beside the
toilet block reserved for disabled people displaying the orange badge. The car
park is not suitable for large coaches. Grove Ferry car park is tarmaced and
suitable for coaches. Toilets Fully accessible toilets are available at the Stodmarsh entrance car
park and also at the picnic area adjoining the Grove Ferry entrance car park.
The Grove Ferry toilets operate on the RADAR key scheme. Transport There is a regular bus service from Canterbury to Margate/Ramsgate.
Alight at Upstreet for Grove Ferry. (Hourly Sundays). There is also a Post Bus
from Canterbury to Stodmarsh weekdays. Dogs Dogs on leads are allowed on the public footpath but only guide dogs are
allowed on the nature trail. On-site information Information boards are provided at entrances and at various locations
throughout the reserve. Telephone The nearest public telephone is in Stodmarsh village 500 metres away.
Staff have a mobile phone but the reserve is not always manned. For further information contact: English Nature The Countryside
Management Centre
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